RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Just a stone's throw from the Meadowlands stadium where the NFL's Detroit Lions would take on the Giants a few hours later, a different breed of lion — the Columbia Lions — provided a strong performance in the 10th annual Head of the Passaic, a regatta on the Passaic River.

Competing in the Open Eights event, the Columbia men's lightweights went 1-2-3-5 in the six-boat competition, an excellent tune-up for the Head of the Charles next Sunday. In doing so, they fought through the challenges of a winding course that featured three bridges. But the view more than made up for the quirks.

"It was the first time we have ever rowed in this regatta," head lightweight coach Scott Alwin said. "It was nice to row in the shadow of the skyscrapers of Manhattan [right across the Hudson]."

The race furnished exactly what Alwin was seeking. Manning the boats with both varsity and freshmen gave him a display of varied talents.

"It was a good first day for our eights," he noted. "Our A boat rowed adequately; they have a couple of things to work on, but it was a good tune-up for the Head of the Charles.

"The B boat was able to push the A boat and the C boat rowed a good piece, good and aggressive."

Alwin was particularly pleased with his D shell, a near-novice crew. Only three of the nine competitors had ever rowed before last month.

"They did a really good job," the coach said. "The coxswain and the bow five had never raced before; they only began rowing last month.

"They finished fifth, but just three seconds ahead of NYU. They were in a real battle with NYU. Every stroke counted. It gave them a good racing experience."

The lightweights will join their women's and heavyweight counterparts on Boston's Charles River next weekend.

The Head of the PassaicSunday, October 17, 2010Passaic River, Rutherford-Lyndhurst, N.J.